347

Shen Yuzhu tried to escape in the middle of the night, but was discovered by Mr. Tan's brother.

"Brother, that stinking woman is running away!" Mr. Tan's brother called out groggily. His eyes had lit upon a familiar figure scampering out of the ruined temple.

Immediately awakened by his cries, Mr. Tan and Mrs. Tan leapt up, bolting after her before they'd even slipped on their shoes.

Mrs. Tan ran out wildly. If she didn't catch Shen Yuzhu, who was now escaping, she would have to look after Mr. Tan's brother herself. There were no maids or nannies anymore!

The mere thought of caring for her incapacitated brother-in-law sent a thrill of panic through her, making her legs move even faster.

As for Mr. Tan, he reasoned that his disgrace, the loss of his official position, his fall into a life of destitution; were all due to Shen Yuzhu. He had opted to compromise the integrity of the Imperial Examination for her nephew, paying the price with his career in the process.